Heavy voter turnout as parlimentary elections continue in Egypt

A policeman tries to control the crowds as they gather outside a polling station during the second day of parliamentary elections in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, December 14. Egyptians voted on Wednesday in the second round of a parliamentary election, part of a lengthy transition to civilian rule after generals took charge following Hosni Mubarak's removal from office in February.

Khaled Elfiqi / EPA

Egyptians wait to vote for the second round of parliamentary elections, during the second round of parliamentary elections, at polling station in Giza Egypt, on Dec. 14. According to media reports, polling stations in Egypt opened on 14 December in the second round of voting in parliamentary elections, the first since the overthrow of former president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. About 18.7 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in nine of the country's 27 districts, where 3,387 candidates are contesting 180 seats, according to government figures. Islamist parties, all of which were officially licensed after Mubarak's exit, made notable gains in the first round that saw a voter turnout of some 60 per cent.

Khaled Desoukia / AFP via Getty Images

An Egyptian soldier stands guard as people line up to vote in Giza, southwest Cairo, on Dec. 14, during the second round of parliamentary voting. Islamists who swept to victory in the first stage of Egypt's parliamentary elections were looking to extend their winning streak in a second round of voting.

Ahmed Ali / AP

Egyptians stand in line waiting to cast their votes in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Dec. 14. Egyptians turned out in large numbers Wednesday to vote in the second round of parliamentary elections that have become a stiff competition between dominant Islamist parties likely to steer the country in a more religious direction. Arabic writing on the posters read names of election candidates.